As with pregnancy symptoms, each new mom's postpartum experience is different. The degree of pain and how long it lasts will vary from person to person, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Postpartum pain can affect many areas of your body — from your abdomen and lower back to your tailbone, hips, and perineum — and can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks after birth.
But whether you've had a vaginal or cesarean birth, there are effective ways to find postpartum pain relief. Your healthcare provider may prescribe or recommend medication to help manage postpartum pain — but there are non-medication options available too.
Here's a look at what happens to your body after birth, and some of the most common ways to ease pain and discomfort during your postpartum recovery.
Uterine Cramping
After birth, your uterus begins to shrink back to its original, pre-pregnancy size — a process that can cause cramping and discomfort in your lower abdominal area. You may hear these called "afterpains," and they often feel similar to menstrual cramps. Postpartum abdominal pain and postpartum stomach pain from uterine cramping are completely normal and typically most intense in the first few days after delivery.
To relieve the cramping, apply a heating pad to your lower abdomen. For first-time mom Kelsey, heat was essential in managing her pain and discomfort. "Immediately afterwards, the cramping was awful. One of the nurses brought me a heating pad, [and] that helped," she explains.
If you're breastfeeding, you may notice more pronounced uterine cramping — especially in the first few days after birth. "That's because nipple stimulation during breastfeeding helps to stimulate the release of oxytocin, your body's feel-good hormone," explains Dr. Nicole Calloway Rankins, a board-certified OB-GYN. "The release of oxytocin causes your smooth muscles, including your uterus, to contract." While uncomfortable, this is actually a sign that your body is healing efficiently.
Perineum Pain
The perineum — the area between the anus and the vaginal opening — relaxes and stretches significantly during childbirth to allow your baby to pass through. This can leave the area swollen and tender after birth. If you had stitches to repair a perineal tear or episiotomy, the area may also feel itchy as it heals. Sitting, urinating, and using toilet paper may be uncomfortable until this area recovers.
Caring for your perineum is twofold: keeping it clean and keeping it cool.
"To begin, you'll want to make sure the perineal area stays clean," says Dr. Rankins. Instead of wiping with toilet paper, she suggests using a wash bottle designed for postpartum care — a gentle stream of water can clean the area after you use the bathroom and help reduce the stinging many women experience during urination.
To reduce perineal pain and swelling — and to help with hemorrhoids, which commonly develop from pressure during pregnancy and birth — turn to cold therapy. Apply a cold pack for up to 20 minutes at a time, allowing at least an hour between uses. According to the ACOG, cold therapy is most effective in the first three days after birth.
Some moms also find relief soaking in a sitz bath or applying a pain-relieving or cooling spray to the perineal area. Mom Amanda, who experienced a second-degree tear during delivery, found that a cooling spray made a big difference in her recovery. "It was a cooling spray, which [helped to make] me not as uncomfortable," she shares.
Healing From a C-Section
If you had a cesarean birth, keeping your incision clean and following your healthcare provider's care instructions is super important. It's normal for the incision site to feel itchy as it heals — and a cold pack can help with discomfort and swelling. You may also find it more comfortable to choose a breastfeeding position that avoids pressure on your incision, such as lying on your side.
Our Soothies® C-Section Recovery Pads are designed specifically for this stage of healing — great to have on hand to help protect your incision after stitches come out, when the wound is closed but still healing. Unlike scar cream, which typically can't be used until the wound is fully healed at around six weeks, our pads can be used about ten days after birth.
Pay close attention to your incision site throughout recovery. "If you find the incision is red, swollen, or showing signs of infection, including discharge, call your healthcare provider to get it checked out," Dr. Rankins advises.
One more tip: when you feel a cough or sneeze coming on, hug a pillow against your abdomen to reduce pressure on the incision — it makes a bigger difference than you might expect.
Constipation
Constipation is one of the most common (and least talked about) postpartum symptoms. The key is to keep things moving through your digestive tract by drinking plenty of fluids and following a high-fiber diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. An over-the-counter stool softener can make bowel movements more comfortable in the early postpartum days.
For most moms, these steps are enough to provide relief. "But if you're breastfeeding and stool softeners aren't helping, check with your healthcare provider before taking any new medications," says Dr. Rankins.
Breast and Nipple Pain
If you're breastfeeding, some breast and nipple discomfort in the early postpartum weeks is completely normal. For many moms, nipple pain is most intense in the first week after giving birth.
"Struggles with infant positioning and latch are the most common causes of nipple pain during this time," Dr. Rankins explains. "The hormonal changes in your body can also mean that your breasts and nipples become more sensitive after giving birth, which can add another layer of discomfort."
As you gain more experience with breastfeeding and latching, nursing should become much more comfortable for both you and baby. In the meantime, a nipple cream or cooling gel pad can provide soothing protection and relief between feeds.
First-time mom Bernadette remembers the early days with her newborn: "She had to feed often, and it did make [my nipples] sore… It was painful but I used the nipple creams that Lansinoh has and worked through it. It eventually gets better!"
If pain persists or worsens, reach out to a lactation consultant who can provide one-on-one guidance and help identify any latch or positioning issues.
Postpartum Back Pain, Hip Pain, and Tailbone Pain
Many moms are surprised to find that postpartum pain can extend beyond the abdomen. Postpartum lower back pain and pain in the tailbone and hip pain are all common — and for good reason.
During pregnancy, your body produces a hormone called relaxin that loosens your joints and ligaments to prepare for childbirth. After delivery, those same joints and ligaments are still in the process of tightening back up, which can leave your back, hips, and tailbone feeling sore and unstable.
A few things that can help:
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Apply heat or cold therapy to affected areas
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Sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees for extra support
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Avoid sitting or standing in one position for too long
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Gentle postpartum stretching and movement — even short walks — can help ease stiffness
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A supportive postpartum belt or compression garment may help with abdominal and back support
If postpartum back pain or hip pain is severe or doesn't improve within a few weeks, reach out to your healthcare provider.
How Long Will Postpartum Pain Last?
Your postpartum pain can last anywhere from a few days to a several weeks, the ACOG says. Whether you have a vaginal or cesarean birth, be sure to attend your postpartum checkups. Your healthcare provider is there to help, even between scheduled appointments.
“If you have questions or concerns, or if something doesn’t feel right, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider,” Dr. Rankins emphasizes. “Always trust your instincts.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Have Round Ligament Pain Postpartum?
Yes. Many moms are familiar with round ligament pain during pregnancy — that sharp, sudden pain in the lower abdomen or groin. While round ligament pain is most common during the second trimester of pregnancy, some moms do experience similar sensations postpartum as the uterus and surrounding ligaments continue to shift and contract back to their pre-pregnancy position.
If you notice sharp lower abdominal pain in the early postpartum weeks, it's worth mentioning to your healthcare provider to rule out any other causes.
Is Postpartum Thyroiditis Painful?
Not usually. Postpartum thyroiditis — an inflammation of the thyroid gland that occurs in some moms in the first year after delivery — is a less commonly discussed postpartum condition but worth knowing about. While postpartum thyroiditis is not typically described as painful in the traditional sense, some moms experience neck tenderness or discomfort around the thyroid gland, along with symptoms like fatigue, mood changes, heart palpitations, or unexplained weight changes.
If you notice any of these symptoms in the months following delivery, mention them to your healthcare provider. Postpartum thyroiditis is treatable and often resolves on its own — but it does require monitoring and sometimes medication.
Why Is My First Period Postpartum So Painful?
Your first period postpartum may be more painful because your uterus is still in the process of fully returning to its pre-pregnancy state. Hormonal shifts, especially if you're in the process of weaning from breastfeeding, can also contribute to more pronounced cramping and flow.
If your first postpartum period is extremely painful, very heavy, or accompanied by fever or unusual symptoms, it's worth checking in with your healthcare provider.
How Long Does Bleeding Last After Giving Birth?
Postpartum bleeding — also known as lochia — is a normal part of recovery after birth, regardless of whether you had a vaginal or cesarean delivery.
In general, postpartum bleeding follows this timeline:
Days 1–4: Bleeding is heaviest, similar to a heavy period, and bright red in color
Days 4–10: Flow begins to lighten and may turn pink or brownish
Weeks 2–6: Discharge becomes lighter and yellowish-white before stopping altogether
For most moms, postpartum bleeding lasts between 4 and 6 weeks after birth. However, postpartum bleeding after 6 weeks is important to mention to your healthcare provider, especially if it's heavy or accompanied by large clots, fever, or a foul odor — as these can be signs of infection or other complications.
If you experience sudden heavy bleeding or pass large clots at any point during your recovery, contact your healthcare provider right away.
Your health and recovery are a priority. Manage your pain and other symptoms, rest as much as you can, accept help when it's offered – and you’ll get through it.
You’ve got this, mama!
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